150 or 250

[Mdmoore76]

We just bought our first trailer, a Rockwood 2509s. I currently tow with a 2010 F-150. (5.4L, 3.31 axle) The truck has 100k and I am looking to replace it with either a, F-150 3.5 Ecoboost with a Max Tow Package or an F-250 6.2L Gas)


We use the trailer about once a month in the seasonal months and currently limit our trips to < 3 hours due to my truck's age and mileage. With a new truck, we'd like to push that range further.



I drive about 5000 miles to and from work a year and the truck will be my principal vehicle.



I like the 250's a lot. The problems are finding one that meets my needs (i.e. selection is very limited) and the cost.


The 150's are easier to find, even with the Max Tow Package.



As far as I can tell, the 250 has a rough payload of 2584 and the 150 has 2050. The 250 has a rough towing capacity of 12,500 and the 150 has 12,700.


Thoughts?

[IchLiebeBier]

Ford doesn't seem to negotiate price at all. I got my 2018 Cummins 2500 for the same price the Ford dealer quoted me for an Ecoboost 150. Might be something to consider.

Comparable trim package, too, BTW

[bikendan]

Originally Posted by Mdmoore76

As far as I can tell, the 250 has a rough payload of 2584 and the 150 has 2050. The 250 has a rough towing capacity of 12,500 and the 150 has 12,700.


Thoughts?

You're using brochure/website payload numbers.
I own a F150 with the Max tow package and my payload is 1828lbs.
For a payload over 2000lbs, would require the Heavy Duty payload package, unless that 2050 number is for a base XL 2 door 4x2 . You have to look at each truck's payload capacity sticker.
Just cause it has the Max tow package doesn't mean it has a higher payload capacity.
Here's the bottom line: if you will NEVER get s bigger trailer, then the 3.5 EcoBoost with the Max tow package will be perfect for that trailer.
BUT, if something bigger is a future possibility, go with the F250.

[Mdmoore76]

Without having my hands on an actual truck with the sticker, yes I was using the towing guide. But that's a good reference.

[5picker]

Some F-150s can be spec'ed to have a payload/tow capacity similar to some entry F-250s but they seem to be few and far between sitting on dealer lots. One can more easily find those same numbers in a F-250 in stock. (at least around my neck of the woods.)

Price varies by location. It's hard to say what might might be the driving price factor in YOUR area. It may be totally different from my geographical area.

[Mdmoore76]

I'm right outside of Philadelphia, and pickings on 250 are slim.

[007matman]

Don't completely discount an F350. It's basically the same truck with an extra spring and a higher payload capacity. Both the insurance and purchase price was less than a comparable F250. Your results may vary but my insurance was $50/mo less. That adds up after a bit..

[MT Biker]

A new F-250 gas will have a payload of around 3000lbs (Our 19 is 3100).
I love how our 250 tows, hate how it rides empty. This is something you should really consider if this will be your daily driver.... unless your local roads are glass smooth...

[hybridlife]

Aluminum bodies F-150's have a higher payload because the truck weighs less, so the OP numbers could be closer than thought.

m

[wszApex245]

Check with your insurance. It varies from state to state. The F250 and above in some states will put your vehicle in the commercial arena and higher premiums.

My understanding is a diesel will also consume some of your payload capacity no matter which F-??? you choose.

Also the F-250 and up is going ride a lot stiffer.

So you need answer if you want a stiffer suspension and potentially higher insurance for X-# of days per year. If I full timed, I would have gotten a F-250. We travel 30-50 days a year and only 20-30 are pulling days, therefore; an F-150 was the best option. I am not knocking my teeth out for the other 310-330 days of the year.

Looking at the 2019 Towing Guide, you have to identify the cab size, 4x2 or 4x4, wheel base, engine, and axle ratio to identify the GCWR and Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight. The GCWR ranges from 9,600 to 18,400 lbs and the Maximum Loaded Trailer Weight ranges from 7,300 to 13,200. In order to answer your question, you have to determine your trim packages.

Be mindful of the Tire and Load Capacity OR Payload. The people and Cargo, including tongue weight in or on the truck will be the question.

[Mike134]

From your post you know about payloads, I've gone from a 5.4 to a 3.5 eco and you'll love how much more power it has. You already know how the 150 handles your trailer, but do check the new 150 tires, most are now passenger with soft sidewalls, while older 150's had LT tires. Does make a difference how it handles the trailer

[Theo]

Originally Posted by Mike134

{snip}...new 150 tires, most are now passenger with soft sidewalls, while older 150's had LT tires. Does make a difference how it handles the trailer

X2
Our 2015 150 had p-metric wranglers on it. We moved up to the same size tire in an LT-version and the difference in towing is pronounced!

[SantaFe big sky]

Originally Posted by IchLiebeBier

Ford doesn't seem to negotiate price at all. I got my 2018 Cummins 2500 for the same price the Ford dealer quoted me for an Ecoboost 150. Might be something to consider.

Comparable trim package, too, BTW

Your talking to the wrong dealer. I bought my F250 diesel at dealer cost minus dealer reserve minus $5k rebate minus $1k financing rebate. Just contact a bunch of dealers internet sales desks, tell them what your spec is, you can buy in any state if you can’t get a decent deal where you live.

My casual observation is March is when the big 3 have their largest promotions and when the dealers seem to have the best inventory. But it may vary, seems like in Texas every month was ‘truck month’.

I had an F150 before and moved to an F250 diesel When we bought the 5er. No comparison. Ford had a 100k powertrain warranty and the resale values on a diesel are much much better. Figure a gas engine in a pickup is likely done for at 150,000 miles towed a lot of weight. A diesel should last between 300k-500k miles. I routinely got 11 mpg towing 13,000-14,000 pound 5th wheel while folks with gas report 7-8 mpg. And I can pass them going up a hill no problem. Never had the trailer push the rear end of the truck around like one could the F150.

[rowdy boys 3]

As somebody said earlier, if you plan to get a larger trailer some day, make the move to the 250. My 250 was stiff on daily riding, but when i hitched the #8800 pound 5th wheel to it, the ride was incredibly smooth, sounds strange, but true...

[HangDiver]

Its a personal choice and we each have our own experiences and requirements to draw on. For me personally for cars, trucks, trailers I buy the most functionality I can get in the smallest package. When dry camping in the woods I can get into small places others can't. My F150 fits in the garage and does everything I ask of it while towing or as a daily driver. My wifes Subaru works just as well in Florida as it does in Colorado.

My .02

[IchLiebeBier]

Originally Posted by SantaFe big sky

Your talking to the wrong dealer.

Probably depends on location. in NoVA no dealer would negotiate the price at the time. I spoke with 5 dealers. One dealer actually told me, "This is the most popular truck on the road. I don't have to sell it to you. Someone else will buy it." I said good luck and left. But I'm sure he's right. Tons of F-150s on the road.

But I love my Ram. Exhaust brake alone is worth it (of course, the Cummins helps, too)

[67L48]

You want around 1,700 lbs of available payload for that trailer. It's a bunkhouse, so I'm assuming you have a family. Either truck will deliver that, but the F-150 won't allow you to grow much in the future.

You can build out your truck at Ford's website. Take that MSRP number and take 6% off. That's what your X-Plan price would be at any dealership. Anyone can get an X-Plan PIN for $25. Local and factory incentives also apply. You can also get PCO from Ford that ranges in the $2,000 - $3,500 range. You can search the web for these things, as I don't want to turn this into a "how to buy a Ford" thread. Anyway, all in, you'll be in the 9-13% off MSRP range on any production vehicle from Ford ... buying off the lot in certain times of the year can be even more.

Generally speaking, there isn't much of a price difference between the grades of truck. In 2019 when I was shopping, I think the F-250 was within about $1,000 of a comparably equipped F-150. The F-350 I bought was $40 more expensive than a comparably equipped F-250.

Modern half tons are so smooth and driveable. I drove a new 2019 XLT F-150 when my truck was having warranty work. I was blown away by how car-like it was. My 2005 F-150 is all truck. The new ones are like butter. I'm sure RAM is the same way. Drive them all.

Good luck.

[simiHal]

Don’t forget about Costco’s auto program. They have a set price above dealer invoice plus you get any additional incentives and 15% off on additions. It will also apply if you order a new truck.

[clarkbre]

For the OP, I think 2 things to consider are:
1. Is the family done growing?
2. Is this your last trailer for the next 10 years or will you upgrade to bigger?

The trailer itself should easily be towed by an F150 3.5 Ecoboost or 5.0 V8 with the proper 3.55 or lower gearing. It's GVWR and ball to bumper length are a very safe size.

That being said, if you have little kids, they will grow into bigger kids that weigh more (take up payload). Or, if you have more kids, the last sentence multiplies. We started with an F150 that was worked within it's ratings for our trailer. After 2 years of camping....kiddo #3 was on the way and #1 & #2 were growing like weeds. Simply by feeding my kids, we outgrew the F150. Hahaha. It's funny, but it really is the reality.

For the trailer, if it's your first, you may find the need to upgrade to a bigger one later on. If that's the case, a bigger trailer than the one you have will likely need a bigger truck to pull it.

So, back to my point, if your dead set on keeping this trailer for the long haul, an F150 will likely be more than enough truck. If you are a growing family or need more payload capacity, get a F250 gasser.


ONE more thing to consider is the difference in MPG and fuel needed. Towing, both will get about the same mileage. If you go above 10mpg towing, consider it a win. For commuting 5000 miles a year, the difference will be about 2.1 gallons of fuel per week if the Ecoboost gets 18mpg and the 6.2 gets 13mpg. So, the cost of fuel per year isn't likely all that much for your commute.

[Mr BB]

F150 3.5 with max tow hands down only because its your daily driver and < than 3 hr trip. should be no problem finding one!!